Integrating Noxious Weeds Education into 4H
Extension Education
Maggi Mathews
Ogden
Abstract
Noxious weeds are a priority concern in both Morgan and Weber Counties due to their impact on urban areas, forage quality, pasture productivity, and livestock health. However, weed identification and management are often underrepresented in 4-H livestock education. This program addresses the gap by integrating noxious weed concepts into youth livestock programming, aligning with county priorities whil maintaining relevance to youth livestock projects. Two age-specific approaches were implemented. "Aggie Camps" for grades 3-6 used hands-on activities to introduce plant identification, basic nutrition and distinctions between beneficial and harmful species. An advanced livestock education program for older youth emphasized applied nutrition, including feed label interpretation, digestive systems and risks associated noxious and toxic plants in feed systems. Post-program evaluation demonstrated knowledge gain and confidence in plant treatment and control. Supported by funding from the local Conservation District, this program demonstrates that integrating weed science into livestock education strengthens youth understanding and preparation for real-world agriculture and urban challenges while directly supporting county-level priorities. This approach offers a scalable model for Extension educators to enhance both program relevance and long-term agricultural literacy.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Maggi Mathews
-
Mathews, M. , , Utah, 84404